Habitat's goal is to end substandard housing. This is accomplished by building houses with donated funds and volunteer labor. Sells the homes at cost with no-interest mortgages to families who are qualified for the program and who have earned or completed their sweat equity. Principle payments are used to build more homes.  The process starts and ends with families.  The family selection committee works hard to select families that have a demonstrated need, ability to pay back the no interest loan, and a willingness to partner back with Habitat and the community.  Once a family is selected, a family support committee assists the family throughout the building process and the duration of the loan, which may be 30 years.  The building committee builds the house with input from the family. Donated materials and volunteer labor along with the no-interest loan make a quality house very affordable.  Habitat can build a $175,000 home for about $125,000 by donations of time and money. Mortgage payments are usually $600 per month or less, affordable even for a family living off a minimum wage.